Hegseth Impeachment Vote and Funding Deadline Top Congressional Agenda

Outgoing Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky will bring a privileged resolution to the House floor this week to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move forces a vote unless Hegseth resigns or President Donald Trump fires him before the session concludes. Massie stated that resignation or removal are the only ways to avoid the procedural vote.

Hegseth responded to the challenge on social media, posting a video on X to assert his resolve. He described the effort as a form of political theater designed to destroy opponents. “It’s all about the politics of personal destruction,” Hegseth said. “It didn’t work with President Trump and it won’t work with me.”

Budget negotiations will also dominate the schedule. Current government funding expires on Dec. 11, marking the end of the continuing resolution passed earlier this year. Lawmakers must begin work immediately to keep federal operations running past that date. The deadline creates a tight timeline for the new Congress to pass appropriations or an extension.

The chamber is undergoing a leadership transition following last week’s midterm elections. House Republicans plan to vote on their next Minority Leader. Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana has announced he will not seek the position. Two candidates are currently vying for the role: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan of Ohio. New members of Congress will attend orientation sessions this week to prepare for their first term.